DOCSLIB.ORG

The Origins and Settlement of Hindus in Nairobi, Kenya

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Origins and Settlement of Hindus in Nairobi, Kenya International Journal of Arts and Commerce Vol. 4 No. 8 October, 2015 The Origins and Settlement of Hindus in Nairobi, Kenya Dr Moywaywa Charles Kinanga Lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, South Eastern Kenya University, P.O. Box. 170-90200 Kitui, Kenya Email: [email protected] Professor Stephen Akaranga Ifedha * Associate Professor of Religion in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Email: [email protected] * Corresponding Author Abstract Hinduism is one of the minority religions in Kenya whose membership is basically drawn from the Indian immigrant community. This article analyzes the historical roots of Kenyan Hinduism and how it contributes to Kenya’s religio-cultural heritage diversity. The following questions are answered in this paper: How did Hindus migrate from India to Kenya? What factors motivated Hindu migration from India to settle in Kenya and Nairobi in particular? In what ways has Hinduism contributed to the diversity of Kenya’s religio- cultural heritage? The descriptive research design was adopted and data was collected through fieldwork using a structured questionnaire and oral interviews. The target population comprised Hindus residing in Nairobi. Data analysis was done using qualitative techniques emphasizing on the Grounded theory. The article reveals that push factors (such as inter-religious conflicts, poverty and unreliable climatic conditions) in India as well as pull factors (such as reliable climatic conditions, ample land for cultivation and absence of inter-sectarian conflicts) in Kenya, are among the major motivating factors for Hindu immigration to Kenya (Pundit, 1961). Most Hindus in Kenya chose to settle in Nairobi due to the greater potential it offered for business and industrial activities. Indeed, the colonial and post-colonial legislations tended to place restrictions on Indian settlement or business operations in rural areas. The research acknowledges the important role Hindus play in projecting the multi-religious and multi-cultural nature of the Kenyan society. But, the quest for national identity has, however, remained the key challenge for Kenyan Hindus of Indian descent. Key Words: Indentured labour, ‘rocket’ immigrants, push factors, pull factors, Hindus in diaspora, Hindus of Indian ethnicity, independent migrants. 115 International Journal of Arts and Commerce ISSN 1929-7106 www.ijac.org.uk 1. 1. Introduction The Hindu people are widespread in the eastern, central and southern countries of Africa. In Kenya, Hindus are a strong presence and they form part of the larger Kenyan society. Various scholars have documented the history of Hindu immigrants in this continent, but, with varying degrees of success. The difficulty involved in undertaking such a comprehensive study on the subject of Hinduism in Africa rests partly in the fact that historical documents which are currently available do not classify the Indian migrants to Africa by their religion. In Africa this community is furthermore largely averse to public exposure of their religious affiliation, probably because Hinduism is (generally speaking) a non-missionary religion. The only information available therefore, is contained in various studies that document the general nature, history and development of the Indian Diaspora in specific countries or regions of Africa. Among those who have carried out such general studies include; P. Herzig (2006), G. Oonk (2013, 2009, 2007), G. Delf (1963), Z. Rajan (2011), S. Somjee (2000), Z. Patel (2002), J. M. Nazareth (1981) and C. Salvadori (1989). These scholars apply different approaches to record diverse aspects concerning the origin, settlement and development of Indian immigrant communities within certain regions in this continent. An analytical examination of available literature states that Hinduism is the dominant religious affiliation in most of the Indian immigrant communities in Africa (Heizig, 2006). The highest concentration of Hindus in particular and Indians in general occurs in the Eastern and Southern parts of Africa. Although, there is limited presence in West Africa, Ghana has the highest population of Indians in this region. An apparent inverse relationship exists between Indian immigration to or settlement in Africa and the dominant religion as well as the political stability of the host country. The Muslim-dominated countries have registered the lowest population of Indian immigrants. Christian dominated regions are fundamentally more welcoming to Indian (Hindu) immigration and the largely Christian countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria have less or none of the Indian migrants than those countries of similar religious set-up that have not experienced civil war. Some Christian dominated countries such as Uganda and Ethiopia have less Hindu presence due to their anti-Indian policies. In most cases, the Hindus comprise 70% of the total Indian population in the African Diaspora who are mainly urban dwellers and a vast majority is involved in trade and commerce (Patel, 2007). A significant number of Hindus have ventured into the manufacturing sector, particularly in the petro-chemical and steel metal industry, while others are skilled practitioners in law, medicine and engineering (in the construction sub-sector). Hindus, in whichever African country they may be found, are commonly viewed as economically powerful individuals although they are conspicuously inactive politically. Their political ambivalence may be attributed to the fact that, for most Hindus, engagement in political activism may attract hostility from members of the native communities and thus compromise their business interests (Philips, 1985; Johnstone, 1997). In Africa, the majority of Hindus are yet to become fully integrated into the cultures of their respectful host countries. In Kenya, for example, the majority of Indian immigrants, especially the younger generation have adopted some aspects of their indigenous culture such as speaking and reading scriptures in their language (Patel, 2007). The Hindu people have managed to preserve a significant proportion of their ancestral cultural heritage wherever they have settled in Africa. This fact notwithstanding, a majority of them are experiencing an identity crisis. On one hand, they do not belong to India, given their different citizenship. Yet, they remain conscious of the fact that they cannot claim to belong to the African culture since they are of a different nationality. Even in African countries, which are predominantly Muslim countries and whose socio- 116 International Journal of Arts and Commerce Vol. 4 No. 8 October, 2015 economic environment is repellant to Indian immigration and settlement, there is a proportionate number of Hindus who work as expatriates or for International organizations that operate in those countries. The main distinguishing marks of Hindu presence throughout Africa, and Kenya in particular are the existence of Hindu temples and a crematorium (Oonk, 2013). 1.2. Historical Origin The majority of Hindus living in Nairobi originated from the south-western and western Indian states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Rajasthan (Kapila, 2009; Patel, 2007). These Indian states which lie along the western coastline of India are geographically closer to East Africa, but are separated only by the Indian Ocean. This may explain why the majority of Kenyan Indian immigrants are drawn from this region. It may not possible to exhaustively list all the states in India from which Hindus in Kenya originated because, most of the independent migrants did not register their personal details with any central authority. Some of them originated from Buhar, Andra Pradesh, Manipur and Orissa (Nazareth, 1981; Kapila, 2009; Patel, 2002). This is why, areas of origin for a significant number of the Indian immigrants in Kenya remain hitherto unaccounted for. The Hindus, who migrated from India generally, came in two major waves. The first wave comprised indentured labourers (popularly known as Indian coolies), who migrated into the country at the direct expense of the Imperial British East African Company. These labourers were brought in to provide the much-needed work force in constructing the Railway which was to act as a link between Kenya and Uganda (Patel, 2002; Heizig, 2006). The second category comprised the Rockets (or independent migrants) who migrated at their own risk and cost, taking advantage of and exploiting the numerous business opportunities that were rapidly springing up in this region as a result of the completion of the Uganda Railway. A critical analysis of the rationale for Hindu migration reveals two broad categories of the ‘push and pull’ factors. The push factors are related to the situation in India by the closing decades of the Nineteenth Century and the opening decades of the Twentieth Century. These factors include: adverse climatic conditions that led to prolonged famine and drought in most parts of India, a general sense of insecurity due to natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that frequented the region, population explosion, the caste system and general unemployment that led to acute poverty. Hence, when an opportunity presented itself to move away from the region for better prospects, many of the impoverished masses were more than willing to risk everything and take the opportunity (Gregory, 1971; Bhatt, 1976;
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Migration of Indians to Eastern Africa: a Case Study of the Ismaili Community, 1866-1966
    University of Central Florida STARS Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 2019 The Migration of Indians to Eastern Africa: A Case Study of the Ismaili Community, 1866-1966 Azizeddin Tejpar University of Central Florida Part of the African History Commons Find similar works at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd University of Central Florida Libraries http://library.ucf.edu This Masters Thesis (Open Access) is brought to you for free and open access by STARS. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 by an authorized administrator of STARS. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STARS Citation Tejpar, Azizeddin, "The Migration of Indians to Eastern Africa: A Case Study of the Ismaili Community, 1866-1966" (2019). Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019. 6324. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6324 THE MIGRATION OF INDIANS TO EASTERN AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF THE ISMAILI COMMUNITY, 1866-1966 by AZIZEDDIN TEJPAR B.A. Binghamton University 1971 A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of History in the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida Spring Term 2019 Major Professor: Yovanna Pineda © 2019 Azizeddin Tejpar ii ABSTRACT Much of the Ismaili settlement in Eastern Africa, together with several other immigrant communities of Indian origin, took place in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth centuries. This thesis argues that the primary mover of the migration were the edicts, or Farmans, of the Ismaili spiritual leader. They were instrumental in motivating Ismailis to go to East Africa.
    [Show full text]
  • Kenya 'Samaj': Indian Merchants, Community Life, and Urban Society
    KENYA ‘SAMAJ’: INDIAN MERCHANTS, COMMUNITY LIFE, AND URBAN SOCIETY IN COLONIAL EAST AFRICA, C. 1890-1980 By Misha A. Mintz-Roth A dissertation submitted to Johns Hopkins University in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Baltimore, Maryland May 2019 ABSTRACT Much scholarship about Indian populations in East Africa examines their histories through categories of race and class. Immigrant groups, according to these narratives, are often seen as agents of the British Empire or as a minority racial diaspora that experienced marginalization during the colonial and post-independence periods. This dissertation takes a different approach. Examining Indians as interconnected yet separate vocational populations, it argues that Indian immigrants played a central role in making Kenya’s colonial economy, urban society, and post- independence political order. Indian merchants—the focus of this dissertation—assumed positions of economic, social, and political prominence in Kenya, building up household wealth by situating themselves between African agrarian societies, the territory’s urban markets, and the colonial state. Despite the rise of anti-Indian sentiment during the colonial period and after independence, Indian merchants cultivated linkages to new political leaders and activated longer-standing communal connections to re-assimilate into Kenya’s post-independence environment. Community networks, I argue, not race or nation, became the primary mode of belonging among Indian merchants in twentieth century Kenya, as they migrated, settled, and accumulated wealth, among other goals. This dissertation examines a diversity of historical sources, including traders’ diaries, merchants’ memoirs, court records, commercial contracts, newspapers, and records from the Kenya and India National Archives.
    [Show full text]
  • The People and Land of Sindh by Ahmed Abdullah
    THE PEOPLE AD THE LAD OF SIDH Historical perspective By: Ahmed Abdullah Reproduced by Sani Hussain Panhwar Los Angeles, California; 2009 The People and the Land of Sindh; Copyright © www.panhwar.com 1 COTETS Introduction .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 The People and the Land of Sindh .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 The Jats of Sindh .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 The Arab Period .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 Mohammad Bin Qasim’s Rule .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 Missionary Work .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15 Sindh’s Progress Under Arabs .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17 Ghaznavid Period in Sindh .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21 Naaseruddin Qubacha .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 23 The Sumras and the Sammas .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 25 The Arghans and the Turkhans .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 28 The Kalhoras and Talpurs .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 29 The People and the Land of Sindh; Copyright © www.panhwar.com 2 ITRODUCTIO This material is taken from a book titled “The Historical Background of Pakistan and its People” written by Ahmed Abdulla, published in June 1973, by Tanzeem Publishers Karachi. The original
    [Show full text]
  • FACTORS AFFECTING PROFICIENCY AMONG GUJARATI HERITAGE LANGUAGE LEARNERS on THREE CONTINENTS a Dissertation Submitted to the Facu
    FACTORS AFFECTING PROFICIENCY AMONG GUJARATI HERITAGE LANGUAGE LEARNERS ON THREE CONTINENTS A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences of Georgetown University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics By Sheena Shah, M.S. Washington, DC May 14, 2013 Copyright 2013 by Sheena Shah All Rights Reserved ii FACTORS AFFECTING PROFICIENCY AMONG GUJARATI HERITAGE LANGUAGE LEARNERS ON THREE CONTINENTS Sheena Shah, M.S. Thesis Advisors: Alison Mackey, Ph.D. Natalie Schilling, Ph.D. ABSTRACT This dissertation examines the causes behind the differences in proficiency in the North Indian language Gujarati among heritage learners of Gujarati in three diaspora locations. In particular, I focus on whether there is a relationship between heritage language ability and ethnic and cultural identity. Previous studies have reported divergent findings. Some have found a positive relationship (e.g., Cho, 2000; Kang & Kim, 2011; Phinney, Romero, Nava, & Huang, 2001; Soto, 2002), whereas others found no correlation (e.g., C. L. Brown, 2009; Jo, 2001; Smolicz, 1992), or identified only a partial relationship (e.g., Mah, 2005). Only a few studies have addressed this question by studying one community in different transnational locations (see, for example, Canagarajah, 2008, 2012a, 2012b). The current study addresses this matter by examining data from members of the same ethnic group in similar educational settings in three multi-ethnic and multilingual cities. The results of this study are based on a survey consisting of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and proficiency tests with 135 participants. Participants are Gujarati heritage language learners from the U.K., Singapore, and South Africa, who are either current students or recent graduates of a Gujarati School.
    [Show full text]
  • From Goans to Gujaratis: a Study of the Indian Community in Portugal
    CARIM INDIA – DEVELOPING A KNOWLEDGE BASE FOR POLICYMAKING ON INDIA-EU MIGRATION Co-fi nanced by the European Union From Goans to Gujaratis: A study of the Indian Community in Portugal Inês Lourenço CARIM-India Research Report 2013/01 © 2013. All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be distributed, quoted or reproduced in any form without permission from the CARIM-India Project. CARIM-India Developing a knowledge base for policymaking on India-EU migration Research Report Case Study CARIM-India RR2013/01 From Goans to Gujaratis: A study of the Indian Community in Portugal Inês Lourenço Post-doctoral researcher, CRIA/ISCTE-IUL © 2013, European University Institute Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies This text may be downloaded only for personal research purposes. Any additional reproduction for other purposes, whether in hard copies or electronically, requires the consent of the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies. Requests should be addressed to [email protected] If cited or quoted, reference should be made as follows: Inês Lourenço, From Goans to Gujaratis: A study of the Indian Community in Portugual, CARIM- India RR 2013/01, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, San Domenico di Fiesole (FI): European University Institute, 2013. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS PUBLICATION CANNOT IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE REGARDED AS THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION European University Institute Badia Fiesolana I – 50014 San Domenico di Fiesole (FI) Italy http://www.eui.eu/RSCAS/Publications/ http://www.india-eu-migration.eu/publications/ http://cadmus.eui.eu CARIM-India – Developing a knowledge base for policymaking on India-EU migration This project is co-financed by the European Union and carried out by the EUI in partnership with the Indian Council of Overseas Employment, (ICOE), the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore Association, (IIMB), and Maastricht University (Faculty of Law).
    [Show full text]
  • INDIAN BUSINESSMEN in KENYA DURING the TWENTIETH CENTURY: a CASE STUDY John Irving Zarwan
    INDIAN BUSINESSMEN IN KENYA DURING THE TWENTIETH CENTURY: A CASE STUDY John Irving Zarwan To cite this version: John Irving Zarwan. INDIAN BUSINESSMEN IN KENYA DURING THE TWENTIETH CEN- TURY: A CASE STUDY. History. Yale University, 1977. English. tel-01259828 HAL Id: tel-01259828 https://halshs.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01259828 Submitted on 21 Jan 2016 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. This is an authorized facsimile, made from the microfilm master copy of the original dissertation or masters thesis published by UMI. Prior to publishing, UMI microfilms the original manuscript and returns it to the author or institution granting the degree. When an order is placed, the complete document is reproduced, on paper or in microform, from the master film copy. This is called on-demand publishing. The bibliographic information for this thesis is contained in UMI's Dissertation Abstracts database, the only central source for accessing almost every doctoral dissertation accepted in North America since 1861. l Dissertation UMa Information Service University Microfilms International A Bell & Howell Information Company 300 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 800-521-0600 OR 313/761-4700 Printed in 1987 by xerographic process on acid-free paper INFORMATION TO USERS This material was produced from a microfilm copy of the original document.
    [Show full text]
  • Hindu Socio-Religious Organisations in Kenya: a Case Study of Arya Samaj, 1903-1978 Kenneth Samson Ombongi
    Hindu socio-religious organisations in Kenya: a case study of Arya Samaj, 1903-1978 Kenneth Samson Ombongi To cite this version: Kenneth Samson Ombongi. Hindu socio-religious organisations in Kenya: a case study of Arya Samaj, 1903-1978. Religions. 1993. dumas-01262667 HAL Id: dumas-01262667 https://dumas.ccsd.cnrs.fr/dumas-01262667 Submitted on 29 Jan 2016 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. HINDU SOCIO-RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF ARYA SAMAJ, 1903-1978 OMBONGI KENNETH SAMSON IFRA - -II,IIIIIItuIlIIIl IFRA001633 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI SEPTEMBER, 1993. 11 DEDICATION To my beloved mother Nyorianah Nyanchama and father Samson Kiyondi whose personal models, frugal living and sense of sacrifice have been an inexhaustible source of inspiration and guidance. 111 TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION 1 DEDICATION ..................................... TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................. ll ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .............................. vii
    [Show full text]
  • In the Shadow of History
    IN THE SHADOW OF HISTORY MUBARAK ALI FICTION HOUSE 18-Mozang Road, Lahore. Phones: 7249218, 7237430 C-opyrigbt© 1998 All rights reserved. No pan of this publication may be reproduced. stored in a retrieval system. or rransmirted any form of by any means - electronic. mechanical, photocopying. recording or otherwise - without the prior written permission of the author and publisher. Published by: Zuhoor Ahmad Khan. Rana Abdur Rehman, FICTION HOUSE I8-Mozang Road. Lahore. Printed by: Zahid Bashir Primers, Lahore. Price Rs. 200.00 Dedication to, Prof. Fariduddin Departmenr of philosophy University of Sindh PREFACE The book is a collection of articles which were published in the different newspapers from time to time. The response from readers always encourages me to write more. I am thankful to all those ."!'ho appreciated and criticized my writings. acknowledge my deep gratitude to Jalis Hazir, Murtaza Razvi, Rashid Malik and Anita Mir for their valuable assistance and cooperation. Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Zuhoor Ahmad Khan and Rana Abdur Rehman, the publishers, for publishing the book so beautifully. Mubarak Ali CONTENTS Preface I. TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING HISTORY 1. Uses of history 1 Why should we study history 4 3. What is grassroots history 7 4. How should history be read'! 9 5. Writing of current history 12 6. Writing of political history 14 ~t-;t"·7. TIlt:' conspiracy Theory of history 16 J>:~8. Romanticising the past 19 .,c\tt~~9. Who masters the past. rules the future 21 ~O. All history is contemporary history 23 II. Falsification of history 25 12. Teaching of history to correct false attitude 28 13.
    [Show full text]
  • Dr. Kamleshwer Lohana
    CURRICULUM VITAE Dr. Kamleshwer Lohana Mehran University Institute of Science, Technology and Development (MUISTD) Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamshoro Phone: +92- 22- 2772250-73 (Ext. 6710) Email: [email protected]/ [email protected] EDUCATION 2015 Doctor of Philosophy University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan. Major: Development Studies 2015 Master of Social Science James Cook University (JCU), Townsville, Queensland, Australia. Major: Asia Pacific Governance and Development AusAID Scholarship 2013 was awarded to study at JCU, Queensland, Australia. 2002 Master of Business Administration University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan. Major: Management information System and Marketing 1995 Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Mehran University of Eng. & Technology (MUET), Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan. DISSERTATION 2015 ‘Education Under Devolution Plan and its Impact on Governance’ Supervisor: Late Dr. Abida Taherani, Ex. Vice Chancellor of University of Sindh, SUMMARY OF SKILLS Extensive knowledge of providing strategic guidance and technical advice to Academics Institutions, development organisations and conducting researches as well as teaching and training experience in the fields of Social Sciences, Environment, Climate Change, Public Policy, Social Entrepreneurship and Governance. Additionally, expertise in Environmental Issues, disaster risk management, Energy and development management. Developed my skills in leadership, strategic management, planning and organizing training programs,
    [Show full text]
  • Sindh the Archaeological Museum of the World
    SINDH THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF THE WORLD LOCATIONS OF BRAHMANKA, PATALA, DEMETRIAS, MIN-NAGGARA, BRAHMANO, BRAHMANVA, BRAHMANABAD, DALURAI AND MANSURA I M.H. PANHWAR There have been controversies on the above sites and more so on Brahmanabad and Mansura. This started with the coming of scientific minded Europeans in the early industrial age in the mid-eighteenth century. Many noteworthy British scholar are credited with writing series of articles, notes and books on this subject, which in this way became more clear, but also more complicated with publication of originals as well as translations of Arabic and Persian works. We have to be thankful to all those, who participated in advancement of this knowledge. Archaeology came in the picture much later. These sites were examined almost superficially by early archaeologists. Henry Cousens in the first who is credited for such explorations. The issue has remained unresolved, as historians report the founding of Mansura a town 6 miles away from Brahmanabad, but Arab geographers visiting the city also assign a local name to Mansura, which according to some means Brahmanabad. Archaeology had another problem to answer; whereas the foundations Mosques are on virgin soil, some of the residential areas also show pre-Muslim phases. Its destruction is recorded historically but not burning of parts of the city. The present paper is meant to bring to light all possible information on the existence of Brahmanabad and Mansura as mentioned in various classical works i.e. Persian, Arabic and some Indian, in a chronological order and also to give opinions of various scholars since 1753 A.D.
    [Show full text]
  • Ijrss8jan20-16347.Pdf
    International Journal of Research in Social Sciences Vol. 10 Issue 01, January 2020 ISSN: 2249-2496 Impact Factor: 7.081 Journal Homepage: http://www.ijmra.us, Email: [email protected] Double-Blind Peer Reviewed Refereed Open Access International Journal - Included in the International Serial Directories Indexed & Listed at: Ulrich's Periodicals Directory ©, U.S.A., Open J-Gate as well as in Cabell‟s Directories of Publishing Opportunities, U.S.A A HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN CHENNAI – A STUDY Dr. T. SHAFEEQUE AHMED B. NIKHATH YASMEEN Abstract Islam means submission to God, and the one who submits himself to Almighty is a Muslim. Islam has been spread across South India much earlier than it has reached the Northern parts of India. The Muslim Arab merchants who came to India through sea route for trading purpose, brought the principles of Islam to the Southern part especially Tamil Nadu which resulted in the acceptance of Islam by the local inhabitants with their self Keywords: conviction and literally they were not enforced to get converted. It is the simplicity of this faith, not the power of sword which attracted the local Chennai Muslim, people and a number of people accepted Islam by reciting “La‟ Ilaaha Illallah” whole heartedly. Later on the missionary activities of Muslims and Social groups, the invasion of Muslim armies down to the South flourished the popularity of Communities, Islam which enabled the spreading of its principles and concepts in different parts of Tamil Nadu. As a result a number of Muslim communities spread Muslim cultures. almost in all the districts of Tamil Nadu and settled everywhere finding their means of living.
    [Show full text]
  • The Long Thirteenth Century of the Chachnama
    The Long Thirteenth Century of the Chachnama Manan Ahmed Columbia University The multi-genre Persian text Chachnama, written in Uch in 1226, represents a unique formula- tion of a possible future for a Muslim polity at the frontier and under immense duress. In its explicit linkage of a Muslim with a local pre-Islamic past within the site and milieu of its pro- duction, the Chachnama presents the beginnings of a new political theology. Long understood as a translation of an earlier text, it is instead a specifi cally imagined text that found political and romantic resonance in the histories of Uch and Sindh through the centuries. This article provides a close reading of the text to elucidate the ways in which it participates in varied genres and the socio-political claims it makes on historiography. It further traces the historiography surrounding the text and highlights the ways in which classifi catory schema (such as genre) operate on analytical understandings of narratives. Keywords: Uch, Indo-Persian historiography, narrative, ‘Ali Kufi , Chachnama, thirteenth century, genres, Delhi Sultanate Acknowledgements: This article is dedicated to the memory of my father, Sultan Ahmed Asif (1939–2012). I am immensely grateful for the help and advice of Sonam Kachru, Rajeev Kinra, Saud al-Zaid, Prithvi Datta Chandra Shobhi, Sunil Kumar and the anonymous reviewers of the journal. All shortcomings remain mine. Introduction In March 2011, I went to Uch Sharif—a dusty, small town from which the river Indus changed its course many hundred years ago. This was my third visit to the town; previously in 2004 and 2006 I had worked in the private collections of two local families, examining one manuscript of the Chachnama—a text, in Persian, composed in that locale in 1224–26 by ‘Ali Kufi .
    [Show full text]